Science Fiction is a genre of literature that deals with
imaginative settings Sci-Fi also features some type of fantastic
element that is based on real or imagined science Space travel,
futuristic technology, paranormal abilities, etc. One of science
fictions primary functions is to explore the consequences of
scientific innovation
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Science Fiction developed over time into a genre that discusses
mankind and what could potentially destroy it Social commentary is
the hallmark of great science fiction Science Fiction has many
sub-genres as well, because of the broad possibilities of the genre
Time travel, post-apocalyptic, space exploration
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The origins of science fiction are murky Historians and
scholars have trouble agreeing exactly what the first science
fiction story is Two authors have legitimate claims to the first
science fiction story Edgar Allan Poe Mary Shelley
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American author Edgar Allan Poe wrote several short stories
that are early examples of science fiction that were published in
1841 Mary Shelleys Frankenstein was published in 1818
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The publication dates make clear that Mary Shelley is the first
to publish a work of science fiction The primary argument against
this is Shelleys book leans more toward fantasy in that it is based
on folk-tales about a man/priest who builds his own monster and
brings it to life
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1809-1849 Attended West Point Was dishonorably discharged
Travelled under the name Edgar A. Perry to avoid debt collectors
Said to have been an alcoholic Earned fame by writing poems and
short stories Very few facts exist about Poes life due to Rufus
Griswolds biography
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Considered the creator of Detective Fiction Primarily wrote
Horror stories Only wrote one book-length story The Narrative of
Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket
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Themes include Death Revenge Supernatural Loss of a beautiful
woman
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Poes short story Some Words with a Mummy is a satire A satire
is a novel, play, poem, or short story in which topical issues,
folly, or evil are held up to scorn by means of ridicule and irony
The satire comes from the fact that Poes story seems to make a joke
about the Egyptmania that was gripping the world during the
1840s
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The story also satirizes technological advancements of the time
Architecture, steam power, astronomy, railroads, and even clothing
are jabbed at Even the name of the mummy, Allamistakeo, suggests
humor The name contains the phrase all a mistake What makes this
story science fiction is the use of modern electrical equipment to
revive the mummy and the discussion of the embalming process
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This story deals with a naturally occurring phenomenon known as
a maelstrom A maelstrom is a storm that occurs at sea that results
in a massive whirlpool The setting features a regularly occurring
maelstrom that is easily predictable
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What makes this story science fiction is the description of the
maelstrom and the explanation of the physics that allowed the
narrator to survive the storm
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Poe tends to write stories that feature a narrator who tells an
amazing, unbelievable story The nature of these stories leads
readers to believe that the narrator is simply making it all up
Sometimes the narrator goes to lengths to tell readers their
stories are true, or admit that they dont expect the reader to
believe the tale A Descent into the Maelstrm features such a
narrator